A total of 383 Formosan Reeves' muntjacs Muntiacus reevesi micrurus were examined during December 1988 and January 1989 in lIan, Taiwan. All specimens were aged according to their tooth eruption or the wear pattern of the 1st lower molars. Growth of the mandibular diastema showed no difference between the 2 sexes, and the maximum length was reached shortly after 1 year of age. Body growth ceased at about 2 years of age in females, while males continued growing beyond 2 years of age. In adults (> 2 years old), males were significantly heavier than females (means = 8.3 and 6.8 kg, respectively). The heavier body weight is considered a reflection of the dominant status of males over females. The length of the canine teeth in males continued to grow until males were 2 to 3 years old, but broken canines were commonly found in adult males.
Body weight, Cervidae, Canine teeth, Growth curves, Sexual dimorphism
